Azerbaijani People Honor the 20 January Martyrs with Deep Respect and Reverence

Baku, The Gulf Observer: This year marks the 35th anniversary of the tragic events of Bloody January, a day that has become an indelible part of Azerbaijan’s history. As is customary each year, the people of Azerbaijan have gathered in large numbers to pay their respects to the martyrs of 20 January.

From the early hours of 20 January, crowds have been making their way to the Alley of Martyrs in Baku, placing carnations at the graves of those who lost their lives in the tragic events. While the day is marked by grief, the faces of the tens of thousands of individuals—veterans of the Patriotic War, soldiers, public figures, young people, and schoolchildren—bowing in front of the martyrs’ graves also reflect immense pride for the sacrifices made for the nation’s independence.

The commemorations are not limited to Baku but extend to regions within Azerbaijan and abroad, where prayers are offered for the souls of the martyrs. Assistance is also provided to the families of those who perished during the tragic events of 20 January.

The events of 20 January 1990 remain a pivotal moment in the nation’s history, when Soviet military forces, alongside internal troops and special forces, launched an aggressive assault on Azerbaijan. This action aimed to quell protests against the deportation of Azerbaijani citizens from Western Azerbaijan and Armenia’s unfounded territorial claims over Karabakh. The Soviet forces, in an unprecedented act of brutality, massacred 150 civilians and injured over 700 people in Baku and other regions.

Following the tragedy, National Leader Heydar Aliyev condemned the violence at the Azerbaijani Permanent Representation in Moscow, calling for justice for the victims. His political and legal assessment of the massacre marked the beginning of official recognition of the 20 January martyrs. The day was declared a Day of National Mourning, and efforts to provide social support to the families of the martyrs and those disabled by the events were significantly enhanced.

Continuing the legacy of his predecessor, President Ilham Aliyev has prioritized the welfare of the families of the 20 January martyrs. The government has established health centers for the rehabilitation of the disabled and provided apartments, cars, and presidential pensions for the martyrs’ families and the wounded, further cementing the nation’s commitment to honoring their sacrifices.

The day serves as a solemn reminder of the sacrifices made for Azerbaijan’s freedom, while also reflecting the unity and resilience of the Azerbaijani people.